How did you get into modeling?

I guess I was told that I was really tall a lot, and I never thought of it as a career path until I got older and got really into fashion. I can model clothes and wear them without creating them. Since I was tall it really just worked to my advantage from there. 

How much time do you usually spend per week?

I walk on the treadmill with heels on every night for 30 minutes every night. I also stand in my mirror and shimmy as well as practicing poses. I also watch “America’s Next Top Model” and have one modeling class per week, so I would say I usually spend a decent amount of time on it. If I am not doing homework or hanging out with my friends, this is what I do. 

Do you see yourself pursuing modeling in the future? If so how?

Yes, I don’t want to go to college at all, and I hope after high school I can fly out to either LA or New York and just pursue it from there. 

Have you signed with an agency?

I haven’t right now, but I am in the works with signing to an LA agency, and I am talking to a Chicago agency right now too. I can technically be with both; LA will be my mother agency, and Chicago will be a sort of add-on. 

Do you have certain aspirations or goals related to modeling?

Yes, I want to be on the cover of Vogue! I feel like everyone has wanted to be on the cover of Vogue. I also want to be in New York or Milan Fashion Week. 

How do you prepare for a modeling shoot?

Okay, I have to go to bed early otherwise I will have bags under my eyes. I will get my clothes together, get my nails and hair done the night before. I then go to the Model Board and do sessions with my model coach. 

Do you often get nervous before a shoot, and if you do, how do you combat the nerves?

I literally get nervous so much, so I always ask the photographer if I can play my own music so I can get all my heebie-jeebies out so I feel more comfortable and in my own element…I always ask to play Beyoncė. 

Do you ever feel pressured by the industry to look or act a certain way?

I actually had a meeting last year with a Kansas City Agency, and she told me I was a Midwest blonde. I actually then dyed my hair brown, for them, because it was eating me alive and made me feel so bad about myself, even though there was nothing wrong with me having blonde hair. I’ll apply for modeling agencies, and I won’t get calls back because my hip size is too big, so it hurts your self-esteem a lot and you don’t get a casting call back. It sucks. 

Have you ever felt like you are “not worthy”? How did you overcome this?

Yes, as someone that struggles with mental health and an eating disorder, it sometimes gets hard to work as a model, but I just keep pushing through knowing I am worthy.

Do you feel that modeling should be based on a person’s image? Why?

I think modeling should be on looks, not just being “pretty.” But looks based on what the brand wants to give off. If that makes sense.

How do you feel confident when doing modeling shoots?

Over time I feel like I have grown into it. In my first shoot, I had no confidence I was stiff as a brick wall, but during my most recent shoot, I was up and dancing, having a blast. It just grew with me and almost happened overnight. 

How do you stay confident in your own self-image in a career that is determined by it?

By not comparing myself to others. I know I’m beautiful in my own way, and if there is something that I’m not “good enough” for, I just know that it wasn’t meant to be.

What advice would you give others who are interested in modeling?

Just to put yourself out there, and not to listen to what others are saying. I used to have the worst body image, and I had to work past this because my modeling coach told me confidence is key. It really shows in your confidence. Just be yourself and be confident with a ton of energy, and go into it thinking nothing is going to happen.

What advice can you give others about their own self-image? 

Do not compare yourself to others. God made you the way you are meant to be and you are perfect just the way you are.